Solar Heating and Panels

Online Catalogue | Renewable Energy | Solar Heating and Panels

Solar panels (also known as solar collectors) are fitted directly on the roof and provide energy to the home. Although they can be expensive to install, they can save you money in the long run and are seen as one of the most efficient renewable energy products available. Solar panels can be used to provide electricity or hot water to your home. We supply a niche range of solar panels from only the best brands. To learn more about solar panels and how they can save you money, please scroll down to read our solar panel guide at the bottom of this page.

Grant Solar Photovoltaic System

Baxi Solarflo Solar System

Vaillant Solar Systems

Worcester Greenskies Solar Systems

Sentinel Solar System Cleaning and Maintenance Equipment

Pros

Cuts Energy Bills
Very Low Maintenance
Environmentally Friendly
Government Incentives
House Value Rises
Works in Remote Locations
Less Dependent on Fossil Fuel Supplies

Cons

Initial Cost
On Average around 8-10 Years to Recover Costs
Roof Space Required
Only Produces Energy in Daylight Hours
Pollution Can Affect The Performance

Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Panels

Solar PV (or Photovoltaic) panels collect direct and diffused light as well as heat from the sun and convert it into electricity using a semi-conducting material (usually crystalline silicon). Solar photovoltaic panels can produce energy on cloudy days and are often designed to complement existing heating systems.

Solar Thermal Panels

Solar thermal panels absorb direct and diffused sunlight to produce heat for hot water systems. The heat is transferred around the hot water system using a liquid (usually water and glycol). Solar thermal panels can also produce energy on cloudy days and often designed to complement existing heating systems.

Solar Panel Size Guide

Typically a correctly sized solar panel system should provide between 50-70% of the domestic hot water in a home. There are two main types of collectors for this type of system, flat plate solar panel which has an absorber plate and transparent cover and can be installed vertically or horizontally or the evacuated tube solar panel which has a row of glass tubes each containing an absorber plate.

Where can it be installed?

Solar panels are suitable for nearly all roof types and can be mounted either on the roof itself using a bracket to secure it in place or they can be installed “in roof”, this is where the panels are installed within the roof structure itself and are ideal for new builds.

Which Solar Panel do I need?

Choosing a suitable system for your property requires a range of factors, for example the area of south facing roof, the quantity of solar panels required for the amount of hot water or electricity needed, the existing water heating system and whether it is compatible and of course your budget. Therefore it is very important you speak with your fitter in regards to your requirements, a competent accredited installer will be able to assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs.

Costs, Savings and Earnings

Solar panels energy is measured by the amount of electricity or heat in kilowatts that is generated per hour. A typical home will normally require at least a 2kw system. On average the cost for purchase and installation of solar panels is around £5,000 to £7,000 per kw but this figure can vary depending on the solar panel type and your individual requirements for your home.

Maintaining solar panels cost very little however you should have them checked every 3-5 years by an accredited installer. Solar panels usually come with either a 5 or 10 year guarantee, with some models having an additional performance guarantee for up to 25 years.

Savings per year on energy bills can vary from user to user, but as a general rule, solar thermal panels will normally save around £50-£85 per year and solar photovoltaic panels will save up to £200.

From August 2011, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment Scheme will commence, this is a government scheme which could offer help with installation costs and from October 2012 the governments Renewable Heat Incentive should come into effect, which means you could receive payments of up to £900 per year for Solar PV Panels and up to £400 per year with Solar Thermal Panels for up to 25 years.